Meaning and Usage
"遠ざかる" (とおざかる) means "to go far off" or "to become distant." It can describe physical distance, such as a train moving away, or abstract distance, like ideas or relationships growing apart.
Common Contexts
This verb is often used in both literal and figurative senses. For example, it can describe something physically moving away, or emotional or conceptual distancing between people or ideas.
Collocations and Patterns
- 遠ざかる + から (e.g., 都会の喧騒から遠ざかる): to move away from something, often used with places or situations.
- 考え方が遠ざかる: to have one's way of thinking diverge or drift apart.
- 時間が遠ざかる: time receding or becoming distant in memory.
Register and Nuance
"遠ざかる" is a neutral verb suitable for both spoken and written Japanese. It is more formal than casual expressions like "離れる" but commonly used in news, literature, and conversation.
Common Learner Pitfall
Learners sometimes confuse "遠ざかる" with "離れる" (はなれる), which also means "to separate" or "to move away." The difference is that "遠ざかる" often implies a gradual or ongoing distancing, while "離れる" can be more immediate or physical separation. Pay attention to context to choose the right verb.